JAK inhibitors are used in the treatment of some cancers and inflammatory diseases[1][2] such as rheumatoid arthritis[3] and various skin conditions.
[4] A Janus kinase 3 inhibitor is attractive as a possible treatment of various autoimmune diseases since its function is mainly restricted to lymphocytes.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines are major contributors to the cause of an over active immune system, resulting in inflammation and pain.
[9][10] The committee also recommends using JAK inhibitors with caution in people with risk factors for blood clots in the lungs and in deep veins (venous thromboembolism (VTE)) other than those listed above.
[9] Patients of all ages treated with Janus kinase inhibitors are at higher risk of Varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection.
These receptors in turn rely on the Janus kinase (JAK) family of enzymes for signal transduction.
[1] JAKs relay signals from more than fifty cytokines, which is what makes them attractive therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases.
[4] In September 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first JAK inhibitor, ruxolitinib, to treat a skin condition.